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The Spectre of Sam Bankman-Fried Overshadowed Caroline Ellison’s Sentencing

The sentencing of Caroline Ellison, who was involved in propping up FTX and Alameda Research, was overshadowed by the spectre of her former boss and ex-boyfriend, Sam Bankman-Fried. Despite Bankman-Fried’s absence from the hearing, much of the discussion revolved around his conduct and Ellison’s relationship to him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon contrasted Ellison’s remorse with Bankman-Fried’s lack thereof, emphasizing that she was merely carrying out his orders. Anjan Sahni, Ellison’s lawyer, painted a picture of Ellison’s life revolving around Bankman-Fried and highlighted her vulnerability to his influence. Even Judge Lewis Kaplan referenced Bankman-Fried, noting that he had Ellison’s “kryptonite.” Despite the judge’s praise for Ellison’s cooperation, she was ultimately sentenced to two years in prison.